At Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (PCCEO) the health and safety of our students, staff, and community are our highest priorities, and we want to do our part to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with guidance from health and state officials we have taken …
President Trump has cut the 2020 census short by one month. This is beyond troubling, because in the 2010 Census, when less than 70 percent of Peorians completed the Census, our community lost $540 million dollars. Without a doubt, Peoria can not afford to leave any money on the table. To address this issue, State …
About one-third of Peoria households still have not responded to the federal census. And with census takers ending their work on Sept. 30, a month earlier than previously planned, it’s getting down to crunch time — resulting in local officials trying to find new ways to reach residents and get them to respond to the …
Continue reading “2020 Census “Taking it To The Streets” Event”
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is launching a $150 million program with $5,000 grants to provide emergency rental assistance to Illinois tenants who are unable to pay their rent. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) is expected to reach approximately 30,000 renters who are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The program, funded by the …
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin accepting applications for utility bill payment assistance on July 27th, 2020. Applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis until June 30th, 2021 or until funding is exhausted. There will be no priority periods. Households in need of energy assistance, especially those with disconnection notices, …
The application deadline for the CSBG Scholarship has been extended to August 21st, 2020. Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (PCCEO) is offering Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarships to eligible applicants living in Peoria County to assist in obtaining formal or occupational training at an accredited higher education institution in Illinois. Applicants must meet …
On Monday, July 6th, the city of Peoria will launch a Household Assistance Program to provide rent and mortgage aid to households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $300,000 has been dedicated to the Household Assistance Program to provide up to three months of mortgage or rental assistance, up to $5,000 per household. …
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SPREAD THE WORD As we work to build, protect, and support our communities, there is no better tool than our collective power. We can boost that power by using the 2020 Census to ensure our communities receive: Funding for fundamental human rights like health care, food, and housing; A say in who leads the political …
Peoria, IL June 17th, 2020 – Today, the Peoria Area Food Bank announced a $163,568 grant from the Caterpillar Foundation to provide food to more than 45,000 people who face hunger in Peoria and Tazewell Counties. A member of the Feeding America network, the Peoria Area Food Bank is one of 30 food banks selected to …
COVID-19 has put additional stresses and financial burdens on households and families across Illinois. The Pritzker Administration, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is leveraging federal CARES Act funds in the State’s 2021 budget to expand assistance and eligibility to serve more families with emergency relief programs as part …
Continue reading “Emergency Relief For Households Across The State”
The 2020 Neighborhood Academy will be presenting several workshops to educate in areas related to budgeting, banking, homeownership, improving credit score, and much more. Workshops are packed with information to empower residents on how to improve Self, Family, and Community. Schedule (10:00 AM – 11:15 AM) Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 – Nuts & Bolts to …
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Peoria, IL April 22, 2020 – 101.1 ESPN Peoria recently raised nearly $10,000 for the Peoria Area Food Bank through its Central Illinois Food Drive Radio-thon with Jim Mattson and Tim van Straten. The 12-hour event took place on Thursday, April 30, 2020. “We are so thankful and blessed that the team at Advanced Media …
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Peoria, IL, May 4th, 2020 – Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity is offering Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarships to eligible applicants living in Peoria County to assist in obtaining formal or occupational training at an accredited higher education institution in Illinois. Applicants must meet income guidelines and have demonstrated positive community/school involvement. Students …
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 22, 2020) — Hy-Vee, Inc., in partnership with its melon supplier Sol Group, donated more than 2,000 jumbo, seedless watermelons to two Peoria, Illinois-based food banks today – Midwest Food Bank and Peoria Area Food Bank. Hy-Vee delivered more than 1,000 jumbo seedless watermelons to each food bank. Each weighed …
Tune into 101.1 ESPN Peoria for the “Central Illinois Food Drive Radio-Thon” with Jim Mattson and Tim van Straten on Thursday, April 30th from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM!!! 100% of the proceeds from the Radio-Thon will go to benefit the Peoria Area Food Bank. Over the course of the day, Jim and Tim will …
Spring is the time for school field trips and outdoor activities — but maybe not this year. How to replace those favorite activities for the kids while they’re on their extra-long “spring break”? One idea comes from zoos around the country. Head Start families can take advantage of virtual animal safari trips via various zoo …
Continue reading “6 Virtual Field Trips To The Zoo While You’re Stuck Inside”
Head Start centers worldwide have closed in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), leaving Head Start parents and caregivers scrambling to find daily activities for their children that are educational, creative, and entertaining. Parents can do a number of activities alongside their children that facilitate active, engaged learning. Below is a list of websites that offer age-appropriate …
Continue reading “5 Educational Online Resources for Head Start Children During School Closure”
Program Overview: The South Village Homeowner Rehab Program is an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant awarded to Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (PCCEO) and Busey Bank by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. This grant provides up to $15,000 of assistance to income-eligible, property owners of single-family residential properties, on parcels within the …
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As we move into unprecedented times in education, we want our students in the community to have access to the internet and devices that make E-Learning equitable to all. We are encouraging the Comcast Home Essentials Program, which will allow students and families to get internet service at home if you qualify as meeting the …
PCCEO will accept Request for Qualifications (RFQ) proposals from contractors interested in participating in the South Village Homeowner Rehabilitation Program during the period of March 2020 through October 2023. The primary focus of this program is residential roof replacement. PCCEO will conduct an informational meeting on March 18th, 2020 at 3:00 PM for all interested …
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Input Was Received in August 2019. On March 4th, 2020 PCCEO will be hosting the City of Peoria as they provide plans to spend the $2.57 million in HUD Funding: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – $ 1,766,783 HOME Investment Partnerships – $655,929 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – $145,529 This is Your Last Opportunity To …
Continue reading “Public Hearing: 2020 – 2024 HUD Consolidated Plan Results”
Peoria Public Schools presented its Community Contribution Award to President/CEO McFarland A. Bragg II at the February 24th Board of Education meeting for his continued support of Peoria Public Schools and his dedication to the community. In presenting the award, Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat explained, “Mr. Bragg has been an outstanding partner for the school …
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A Peoria business is doing its part in feeding area children. On February 4th, Sherman’s held a meal packing event as part of the “No Child Hungry” campaign. This campaign is working to end child hunger in America today by ensuring that all children get the healthy food they need every day to thrive. Employees …
Continue reading “Sherman’s Provides 10,000 Meals to the Peoria Area Food Bank”
On December 19th, PCCEO Head Start and Early Head Start, volunteers, and families came together to create a ‘Winter Wonderland’ at Webster. Students enjoyed creating reindeer food, making wreaths, ornaments, stockings, and coloring. Volunteers operated a hot chocolate station and the night ended with a visit and gifts from Santa. The event was organized by …
The PCCEO Foster Grandparent program partnered with Woodruff Head Start and Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center to hold a special performance for volunteers in the PCCEO Foster Grandparent program. The event was held at Woodruff Career & Technical Center. There were over 45 foster grandparents in attendance and 160 students that performed a variety …
Staff, volunteers, and clients were in for a special treat on Thursday as they were treated to the sweet-sounding melodies of the ELITE choir. The performance is one of many stops the Peoria Park District’s ELITE holiday choir made. The choir is made up of students from seven area schools and has been spreading holiday …
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Known for being the longest-running holiday parade in the country. The 132nd Annual Santa Claus Parade stepped off at 10:15 on November 29th with over 50 Head Start students and staff. The guests of honor, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, made their way past families waving and smiling. There were over 85 units of costumed characters, …
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The Peoria Area Food Bank is getting ready to celebrate Giving Tuesday!!! This year, the Peoria Area Food Bank is joining a growing list of givers. Consider making a donation this #GivingTuesday and help support the fight to end hunger. WHAT IS GIVING TUESDAY? #GivingTuesday is a national campaign fueled by the power of social …
Webster PCCEO Head Start and Trewyn Head Start received the Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s new quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development providers. “Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority,” said Cynthia L. Tate Ph.D., Executive Director, Governor’s …
The consolidated planning process is a federal requirement for states and jurisdictions that receive entitlement resources through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is intended to be used as a tool to assess affordable housing and community development needs through public input and market analysis. The Consolidated Plan is updated every …
Continue reading “City of Peoria 2020 HUD Consolidated Plan Outreach Results”
The Peoria Area Food Bank (PAFB) Hosted 25 Student Volunteers Today From Washington Gifted Middle School. The Help-A-Thon Event Sought To Get All 300 Students Involved With Helping A Non-Profit Organization For The Day. Student volunteers assisted with packaging dry foods, moved food from the freezer to pantry trucks, and assisted with raking leaves on …
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $11.3 million across the State of Illinois including $5.6 million to the County of Peoria and more than $314 million to 77 state and local government agencies, a record investment to protect children and families from lead-based paint and home health hazards. In addition, HUD …
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin accepting applications for the winter heating season for seniors and people receiving a disability check beginning October 1st, 2019. Applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must call 309-671-3960 to schedule an appointment. Customers must bring all required documentation when applying for assistance …
Beginning on October 1st, PCCEO will celebrate Head Start Awareness Month – an opportunity to share in the impact and importance of the Head Start and Early Head Start. Since its founding in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, the Head Start program has served over 35 million low-income children …
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The Peoria Area Food Bank and Two Men and a Truck teamed up to send over 30,000 pounds of food and supplies to victims of Hurricane Dorian on Thursday, September 26th. 3 trucks were filled with fruits, vegetables, beverages, hygiene products, baby food, and other non-perishable items to be brought to the Convoy of Hope, …
Request For Proposal PCCEO will be accepting proposals from contractors interested in participating in the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program during the period of October 1st, 2019 through September 30th, 2020. PCCEO will conduct an informational meeting on September 26th, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. for all interested parties. The informational meeting will be held at …
Learn about Hunger Action Month PCCEO and the Peoria Area Food Bank is celebrating Hunger Action Month. Hunger is a problem that exists throughout the world from third world countries to more modern places such as Poland, Germany, and the United States. The fact remains, no one should have to go hungry, and Hunger Action …
PCCEO Head Start held an Enrollment Bash on Thursday, August 15th at Webster Head Start from 10 AM to 3 PM with a number of community agencies and resources, free food from the Peoria Area Food Bank, Raffles & Giveaways, and games for the kids. Community agencies that were present included the Boys and Girls …
PCCEO in partnership with the City of Peoria hosted a public meeting for input on the 2020 – 2024 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is a planning document required by HUD. Every five years, the city creates its Consolidated Plan, which guides the distribution of federal and state …
As a child Kamera knew she wanted to be a nurse. Years later, when she earned her CNA, she was well on her way to realizing the dream – earning not just a job, but a rewarding career that her and her children could be proud of. Just when healthcare’s shifting realities seemed to threaten …
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With a new school year approaching, PCCEO Head Start & Early Head Start is excited to host an enrollment and resource fair on Tuesday, July 9th from 10:00 – 3:00pm at Webster Head Start located at 923 Millman St, Peoria. PCCEO Head Start & Early Head Start serves 1,654 children, birth to age 5, and …
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Each year, PCCEO Head Start & Early Head Start & Prevention Initiative hosts an annual parent awards banquet to recognize our outstanding parents that have excelled in areas that include housing, employment, volunteerism, and education. The award banquet also serves to unify the community, celebrate successes, encourage high-quality performance, and offer a meaningful way for …
Registration forms are now available for the 23rd Annual Mitchell “JJ” Anderson & Dana J. Davis All-Star Basketball camp to be held from July 15th to 18th at the Peoria Civic Center. Afternoon sessions only from (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). The 4-day basketball camp is FREE to all boys and girls ages 8 to …
On May 28th, PCCEO Head Start installed 22 new iStartSmart Preschool Elite Computers. Each classroom will now be able to take advantage of the revolutionary learning platform that focuses on developing 18 core kindergarten readiness skills and four entry-level kindergarten skills essential for success. The research-based classroom solution features adaptive teaching technology that moves children …
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Thank you to the Heart of Illinois Jeeps Organization and all the people who donated non-perishable food and hygiene products during the “Fill Your Jeep” Food Drive on May 11th. Several Jeep owners with the organization emptied out their vehicles with over 424 pounds of food to support the Peoria Area Food Food Bank. Food …
PCCEO attended The Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) 2019 Annual Learning Conference in Springfield, IL from May 5th – May 7th. This year’s theme was “The Power of Community Action: Agents of Change”. This theme moves towards learning and sharing evidence-based strategies and the latest tools for disrupting poverty. As Agents of Change, …
PCCEO Is Offering The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarships To Eligible Applicants Living In Peoria County To Assist In Obtaining Formal or Occupational Training At An Accredited Higher Education Institution In Illinois. Applicants Must Meet Income Guidelines and Have Demonstrated Positive Community/School Involvement. Students Applying For A Scholarship Who Have Completed One Year of …
Continue reading “PCCEO Accepting Applications For The 2019 CSBG Scholarship Program”
April 2, 2019 – The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) is pleased to announce the inaugural Ending Hunger Together grant recipient has been chosen. The proposal submitted by HEAL Food System Partners will be awarded $40,000 to help address food insecurity issues in the community. This collaboration includes Tazewell County Health Department (lead agency), …
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced a $6,234,234 grant for Peoria Citizens for Economic Opportunity, Inc.’s Head Start programs from the Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start promotes school readiness for young children from underserved families by providing programming to enhance their cognitive, social …
Manual Academy SkillsUSA students have taken special steps towards recognizing Head Start students in their building by hosting a literacy event for students. “SkillsUSA is a career oriented leadership organization focused on individual success at home, in the classroom, the community, and the workplace.” Sandra Burke, a coordinator for SkillsUSA explained. “The experiences and knowledge …
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A substantial donation from the Caterpillar Foundation is helping to feed Illinois residents. The Peoria Area Food Bank recently announced a grant from the Foundation totaling $169,034 for needy families in Peoria and Tazewell counties, Central Illinois Proud reported. The funds will pay for more than 100,000 meals, and will aid more than 40,000 local …
Paying the electric bill at times can be a struggle, especially if your on a tight budget. Ameren Illinois and PCCEO partnered together to provide customers with a one-time grant of $150. The one-time grant was for eligible customers who are living in Peoria and meet low-income requirements during the Customer Appreciation event at George …
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PCCEO Head Start and Early Head Start are each hosting Literacy Night in March. The importance of Literacy Fun Night is to assist with helping children develop an interest in books and to understand the meaning from stories and other information. Head Start Family Development Specialist Tracy Fondren says “The primary goal is to support …
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Peoria, IL, February 5th, 2019 – Peoria Area Food Bank announced a $25,000 grant from the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation to provide food for local food nutrition programs. The food bank will purchase food with the grant that is specific to child nutrition programs such as backpack programs. “The Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation will allow the …
Making sound financial decisions and knowing how to manage money are critical skills to enjoying a secure financial future. Many individuals lack the knowledge necessary to make these financial choices. Lack of savings, growing debt, and dependence on Payday loans. Are all indicators that suggest access to financial literacy programs are a pressing need in …
Peoria, IL, March 8th, 2019 – The Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc., is partnering with Ameren Illinois to implement their Energy Efficiency Program throughout Peoria County. Ameren is committed to invest 114 million per year for the next 4 years in electric and gas efficiency programs. Participation in this innovative program will lower your …
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